Top Tools to Strengthen Business Partnerships in the Fashion Industry

Digital tools are essential for strengthening partnerships in fashion business. With supply chains spread across the globe and more business conducted internationally than ever before, fashion brands and buyers need to be able to communicate transparently, automate workflows, and co-create easily with one another.

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True partner alignment and B2B collaboration are only possible today with the right tools. 

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Why Strengthening Business Partnerships in the Fashion Industry Matters

Wholesale relies on strong partnerships between brands and buyers that prioritize speed, transparency, and sustainability. The cost of a relationship breakdown can be crippling for a business, and even a small level of friction between brands, buyers, and suppliers can have detrimental consequences.  

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Types of Partnerships in Fashion

The wholesale channel is primarily focused on the brand-buyer relationship, but other important collaborations that may need nurturing include the manufacturer-brand partnership, the influencer-affiliate partnership, and the designer collaboration network. 

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Common Challenges in Maintaining Strong Partnerships

Without the right fashion business collaboration tools, poor communication, and a lack of data sharing in retail partnerships can lead to a multitude of wholesale errors.

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From misalignment in production timelines to limited transparency in sourcing and quality control issues, if a partnership does not have a strong foundation, there is a chance it may not survive.  

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Key Criteria for Choosing Tools That Strengthen Partnerships

When searching for the right tools to strengthen retail partnerships, brands and buyers should look for fashion brand collaboration software that is scalable across global teams to aid international businesses, easy to integrate with existing systems so data can flow seamlessly between departments, and has strong data security to ensure confidential information is kept safe.

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Fashion wholesale businesses should also be on the lookout for tools with industry-specific features such as PLM systems, real-time inventory updates, and built-in sustainability metrics.  

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Top Tools to Strengthen Business Partnerships in the Fashion Industry

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Tools

PLM systems centralize every step in a product's journey from sketch to SKU, so designers and suppliers can align on concepts and tech packs, brands can oversee product development, and buyers can track orders and delivery. 

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Key benefits: digital sample management, version control  

Examples: Centric PLM, Backbone PLM, Lectra

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Supply Chain & Vendor Management Tools

Vendor management tools break down silos across wholesale, enhancing transparency so brands and buyers can be assured that compliance and efficiency are being prioritized at every step of the supply chain. 

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Key benefits: real-time tracking, quality audits 

Examples: Inspectorio, Bamboo Rose, TradeGecko

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Trend Forecasting & Consumer Insights Tools

Brands and buyers can use trend forecasting tools to access shared insights that can help them to align on strategy and goals. Being able to capitalize on emerging trends and predict demand improves collaboration and the chance of success.

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Key benefits: shares industry information, improves decision making

Examples: WGSN, Edited, Heuritech

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Inventory, ERP & Order Management Systems

ERP and wholesale order management systems help brands and retailers to coordinate production and monitor stock levels, to reduce delays and the risk of over- or understocking. 

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Key benefits: automate workflows, real-time inventory updates

Examples: NetSuite, Zedonk, SAP, Apparel Magic, Microsoft Dynamics 

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E-Commerce & Wholesale Collaboration Platforms

B2B wholesale platforms connect brands and buyers from around the world. Virtual showrooms and shoppable linesheets facilitate 24/7 buying, while in-platform messaging and data sharing strengthen retailer–brand relationships. 

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Key benefits: streamlines the entire wholesale sales process on one platform

Examples: JOOR

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How These Tools Strengthen Long-Term Partnership

When used correctly, digital wholesale tools can transform the brand-buyer relationship. Not only do they allow for faster decision-making and improved transparency, but they also make it easier for both parties to align on trends, product quality, and suitability goals.

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From reducing wastage to driving growth, these tools are essential for success in modern wholesale. 

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FAQs

How do I choose between a PLM and a B2B platform?‍

A PLM is for product creation and sourcing, whereas a B2B platform such as JOOR is for building new partnerships, selling, and transacting. PLMs and B2B platforms integrate, but serve different functions.

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What tools do fashion brands use to manage suppliers?‍

Fashion brands most commonly use PLMs to manage suppliers. Some of the most popular include Centric PLM, Backbone PLM, and Lectra. 

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What is the best tool for fashion design collaboration?

Product lifecycle management tools allow multiple parties to collaborate on fashion design.

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Are there sustainability-focused tools for fashion partnerships?

Yes, dedicated tools for fashion industry partnerships, such as Renoon and Retraced, are specifically designed to help fashion brands communicate their sustainability efforts with retail buyers.

What tools help fashion startups build partnership networks?

B2B platforms such as JOOR give startup fashion brands access to an exclusive network of connections with JOOR Discover, making it easier to build partnerships with established retailers.

How can trend forecasting tools improve brand-retailer alignment?

By sharing trend forecasting insights, retailers and brands can work together on assortments that will meet consumer demand and maximize sales potential.